Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Products

• Does The Compounding Pharmacy Australia sell any products in their store that I am to use while on the HCG diet?
  Yes. We have got a range of products for your convenience. We’ve recently got in:
  – Sulphate Free Virgin Coconut Oil Shampoo 300ml $15.45
  – Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser 125ml $10.60 (Can be used as body wash and cleanser)
  – Grissini Rosemary and Sea salt 125g box $4.00
  – Niugini Raw 100% Organic Virgin Coconut Oil 1 litre $28.00

Food

• I am hungry, what can I do?
  Ensure you are drinking adequate water. The first week people tend to think they are hungry only because their eating pattern is so very different on the HCG. It is really a feeling of being EMPTY. Also it is important to make sure you eat the portions outlined in your HCG workbooklet. If hunger persists, contact Tracey or Kim.

• Can I eat broccoli?
  No! The only vegetables allowed are what are included in the HCG work booklet.

• What happens if I eat the wrong things?
  You will affect your weight loss and not lose as much as you could.

• Can I eat green beans?
  No – only the vegetables allowed in the HCG work booklet.

• Can I eat eggs?
  No. If you are a vegetarian, you can include 2 egg whites as your protein source.

• Can I substitute blueberries for strawberries?
  No – the only fruit you can eat is listed in the HCG work booklet.

• I need to have something for breakfast. What can I eat?
  You could eat one of your fruit allowance for breakfast.

•  I’m a vegetarian so what would my protein allowance be?
  You can use tofu firm (unflavoured) but only 50 grams due to ratio of calories from fat and protein – If you cube the tofu, it will look like more.
  Otherwise, use 2 x egg whites – no yolk though as it’s too high in fat.
  Skim milk cottage cheese 100 grams is another preference.

• Can I eat salmon? No, too oily! Only white fish listed in workbook allowed.

• What oil can I use to cook my protein in?
  Coconut oil only.

 Beverages

• What happens if I have an alcoholic drink?
  The body treats alcohol much the same as a carbohydrate so you will affect your weight loss by drinking alcohol.

• Can I drink diet soft drink?
  No.

• Can I drink herbal teas?
  Yes but check carefully that they do not contain oils as some fruit teas contain oil. For example, Earl Grey contains oil.

 Exercise

• When can I exercise?
  After 2 weeks you can start to include exercise such as brisk walking. Exercise burns up calories required for your energy and so you could feel hunger.

 Beauty Products

• My skin is dry, what can I use?
  Any oil free moisturisers. You can use coconut oil as a moisturiser as well as using it for cooking. The Compounding Pharmacy Australia can supply you with versabase lotion and cream which is oil free.

• Can I use perfume?
  As some perfumes contain oil, it’s best to spray around your clothing. Take care not to stain.

• Can I use my hormones during the HCG?
  Depending on the type of hormone! Some hormones you definitely must continue with. Thyroid and some hormones will affect the HCG so it’s best to discuss this with your Doctor who has prescribed you the HCG.

• What soap can I use?
  Niugini virgin Coconut oil soap and Palmolive natural soap are some you can use.

• Can I have a massage during the HCG?
  Only if you are massaged with coconut oil.

• Can I have my hair dyed during the HCG?
  Preferably not, but if you need to, it can slow the weight loss down.

• What sunscreen can I use? 
  Sun Sense Clear Mist SPF 30+. Sold at pharmacies and retail outlets for $18.00.

• Are there any lip balms I can use?
  Yes you can use Carmex for dry, cracked lips.

 Other

• I have bad breath, what can I use?
  Sometimes people can get bad breath when they are in ketosis. You can use oil and sugar free mints if needed. No Chewing gum.

• How long do I have to wait before I do the diet again?
  To obtain the best results, you should wait 8 weeks before starting again.

• My ketone levels are not very dark. Is this ok?
  People’s ketosis levels can vary. Some people show very dark readings throughout the diet while other people show a very light level. The important thing is that you are showing some level of ketosis during the program and you are continuing to lose weight.

• How long do I not take my drops when I get my period?
  Usually 3 days as by the 4th day, most women’s cycle is light by then. If your cycle is a long and heavy one, restart the drops when it gets light. The HCG stays in your body for 3 days.

• Can I use the drops I have left over after the 30 days because I stopped during my period?
  Yes.

• I am not in ketosis. What do I do?
  Check you are not having any oils or sugars in your diet or on your body. If you are not losing weight, follow the plateau guidelines in your HCG work booklet.

• I have plateaued for the last 2 days, what do I do?
  Follow our guidelines for plateauing. It is quite normal to have a plateau for a few days twice during the 30 day protocol and three times during the 40 day protocol.

• Do I take the drops while I am gorging for the 2 days?
  Yes definitely! Otherwise you will not switch on the hypothalamus which enables you to have a successful transition into the VLCD part of the HCG.

• Can I take my fish oil capsules during the HCG?
  No! No oils allowed during the HCG except coconut oil.